Certified Christian Educators
Christian educators are people called by God to a ministry of education. In addition to this call, “certified Christian educators have demonstrated skills and training in biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, worship and sacraments, human development, faith development, religious educational theory and practice, and the polity, program, and mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).” “These individuals endeavor to reflect their faith through their work and to strengthen the church through their dedication.” (Book of Order, G-2.1103a and G-2.1101)
Two Credential Pathways
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seeks to recognize and enhance the ministries of persons called to serve the church as Christian educators by certifying them as Certified Christian Educators (CCE). Those who seek certification are professionals or volunteers with a call to a particular educational ministry within the church. Seeking certification is a way of enhancing their own continuing education, submitting their credentials for peer review, and maintaining the highest possible standards for ministry preparation, leadership, and accountability, thus uplifting the significance of educational ministry for the whole church.
Requirements
- Membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A).
- Hold a bachelor’s or a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Experience (volunteer or employed) of one year full-time or its equivalent in Christian education ministry leadership within a PC(USA) congregation, council, or agency.
- Completion of an online application including all electronic transcripts and a current position description/confirmation of volunteer hours.
- Completion of certification-approved courses in the following knowledge/skill areas:
- At least 3 course credits or 30 hours* in each of the following areas: Biblical Interpretation, Reformed Theology, Religious Education Theory and Practice, Worship and Sacraments, Human Growth and Faith Development (within the last 15 years), Presbyterian Polity, and Presbyterian Program and Mission.
Review Approved Courses
- At least 3 course credits or 30 hours* in each of the following areas: Biblical Interpretation, Reformed Theology, Religious Education Theory and Practice, Worship and Sacraments, Human Growth and Faith Development (within the last 15 years), Presbyterian Polity, and Presbyterian Program and Mission.
- Completion of the certification integrative project under the direction of the Educator Certification Committee.
- Completion of Reference Group process.
Verification of current employment or volunteer work in educational ministry leadership for at least 10 hours per week, accountable to a board, agency, or council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) upon completion of the integrative project.
* Please note that to complete the CCE application, you will need an electronic copy of all academic transcripts as well as a current position/volunteer description. Contact Martha Miller with any questions.
Detailed steps in the Certified Christian Educator process are a part of the Educator Certification Handbook:
While not resulting in certification, the process for Christian Education Associate (CEA) is designed to recognize the role of the educator with or without formal academic training. Many of those who are serving in educational ministries in churches and presbyteries have responded to a need and/or a call, even though they had little training or preparation for the ministry. The goal of the CEA endorsement process is to introduce the educator to basic knowledge and skills related to Christian education and to whet their appetites so that they will want to pursue further coursework and move toward the Certified Christian Educator (CCE) level.
Requirements
- Membership in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Active in educational Ministry within a PC(USA) congregation, council, or agency.
- Completion of an online application.
- Completion of online initial assessment for each content area of biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, religious education theory and practice, human growth and faith development, worship and sacraments, Presbyterian polity, program, and mission.
- Plan of study, based on the results of the initial assessments, using a variety of resources to deepen understanding in the content areas.
- Successful completion of the online final assessments for each content area.
Detailed steps in the Certified Christian Educator process are a part of the Educator Certification Handbook:
To begin the process of educator certification, please create your account. This will allow you to log back in to track your progress and edit your information. Emails will be sent to you whenever changes are made to your record.
If you already have an account, log in at any time to view and update your profile. If you are not sure if you have previously created an account, please send an email to Martha Miller.
CCE Application Process Info
Access the Educator Certification System
Instructions for Beginning a CCE Application
Instructions for Connecting Certification Information
CEA Application Process Info
Access the Educator Certification System
Instructions for Beginning a CEA Application
Connect to the Educator Certification system to keep your contact information up to date.
The following video is available to guide you through making updates to your account:
Educator Certification Committee
The Educator Certification Committee (ECC) establishes the standards of the Educator Certification process and are described in the Educator Certification Handbook. Standards include the oversight of courses offered, connecting with Educator Certification Advisors, maintaining/establishing communication with certified educators, evaluating certification examinations, and maintaining relationships with the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators and with theological institutions related to the PC(USA).
Contact Us
Martha Miller
Ministry Education and Support
martha.miller@pcusa.org
